Remember how you felt the last time you walked through a well-designed space? It may not have been a home; it might have been in a public space like a lux hotel lounge, a new restaurant, or the IKEA showroom. The environment that surrounds you has an almost immediate effect on how it influences your behavior and emotions, and ultimately, your physical health.
The National Library of Medicine published a study in July 2023 that proves the effects of interior materials on the restorativeness of home environments. The research led by Jing Zhao concludes that a room's spatial layout and organization can influence a positive emotional response that affects mental and emotional well-being, including cognitive function and productivity.
Enter: Space health, a practice that centers around the holistic well-being of its inhabitants. "It addresses the fundamental qualities of the space including features such as natural light exposure, noise levels, spatial arrangement, ventilation, temperatures, and materials that promote a healthy indoor environment," shared Asia Ligas, Design Experience Manager at Block Renovation. It goes beyond personal taste. As a measure, it's a powerful tool for generating positive impact on our day-to-day lifestyle.
‘Space Health’ vs. the Marie Kondo Method
“Marie Kondo is about the organization of items you own, whereas space health refers to the raw space as in lighting, temperature, circulation, proportions, and material finishes,” noted Ligas.
She adds, "A similarity between the two includes intentional consideration of the elements that contribute to living space. Both recognize environmental psychology and the interconnectedness between your surroundings and the psychological effects that influence an overall sense of contentment and health."
When you're designing for 'space health,' keep this in mind:
- Consider elements like smell, temperature, materials, colors, and lighting. Make a list of what you're consistently drawn to to narrow down your preferences.
- Notice how materials, colors, sounds, and architectural features affect your mental health. Recognizing patterns that make you feel your best will help you begin to define your style.
6 Ways to Implement ‘Space Health’ In Your Home
1. Increase Natural Light
- Opt for warm colors (think neutral colors like warm gray or cream and white, like Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee)
- Integrate light-colored wood elements like birch or white oak
- Place mirrors in areas with windows to strategically maximize light in functional spaces
- When you need artificial light, choose lightbulbs with a temperature of 2700K-3000K for the ideal warm tone in your interior space. Using a wide range of cool colors can feel sterile (like a bad office setting).
2. Focus on Indoor/Outdoor Synergies
"Bringing in natural elements—like the organic texture of brick or patterns that mirror leaves, branches or even honeycombs—adds more than just visual interest," notes shared Denise Smith, senior marketing manager at Glen-Gery. "It gives a space a sense of purpose and connection. These subtle nods to the natural world not only enhance a home’s design but also create a more grounded, harmonious atmosphere."
As a manufacturer of brick, she goes on to note how it can be used indoors and outdoors to enhance a physical environment. "With brick specifically, its varied or irregular texture—such as wirecut or molded—also interacts with sunlight in a dynamic way, leveraging light and shadows throughout the course of the day, and in turn, mimicking a sense of rhythm and movement to that of the natural world."
- If you have windows, hang plants from the ceiling to bring a lively and natural atmosphere without obstructing the view.
- Enhance your connection to the natural environment by keeping your blinds and curtains open during the day
3. Infuse Fresh Air
Good indoor air quality goes a long way. Open windows to welcome free-flowing air. Don't reserve this action for warm weather; you can achieve a positive psychological response on a brisk winter day, too. Air purifiers have had a profound impact on my own home. Healthy spaces offer an added sense of security.
4. Choose Colors Wisely
- Consider the effects of color psychology on mental well-being. "Saturated colors in poorly lit rooms can create a sense of claustrophobia, and vibrant colors such as bright pink, turquoise, or lime green can create a sense of chaos." shares Ligas.
- Individual preferences matter. Your personal space can still be a cheerful space. Ligas reminds you to play with color using less permanent items such as artwork, rugs, throw pillows, or even furniture.
- "When used to bridge indoor and outdoor areas, soft greys and whites can help create a seamless transition that invites in more natural light and fresh air, promoting overall well-being and making a home feel healthier to be in," shared Smith. She highlights Glen-Gery’s Silver City for its sense of calmness in living spaces.
5. Keep it Light and Airy
- Embrace a "less is more" Feng Shui design approach when it comes to furniture. Don't overcrowd or clutter a space.
- Organic materials like wood furniture and other wooden elements have stress-reducing potential. White steel and polyvinyl chloride plastics were found, in Zhao's study, to have negative effects.
- Avoid heavy, low-lying furniture. Opt for pieces elevated from the floor to enhance the sense of space and light contrast.
6. Avoid Noise Pollution
- Large rugs not only accentuate a well-designed home, but also contribute to sound insulation. They act like acoustic panels to mitigate noise.
- Hang long, simple linen curtains or bamboo blackout blinds can help reduce noise pollution. Choose white or beige to double down on the mood-lifting benefits.
Simple Steps to Evoke A Sense of Calm
- Revitalize your indoor space with a fresh coat of paint every few years. Go with warm white tones for a timeless and refreshing look.
- Invest in furniture that makes a difference in your space. Comfortable seating and thoughtful design go hand-in-hand. Bonus points if you choose heated seating from Galanter & Jones; its thermal comfort is proven to soothe muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Upgrade your lighting with high-quality fixtures that diffuse ambient light, such as paper floor lamps or wall-mounted sconces. Natural fixtures are right on point. Adding smart blinds and smart bulb routines to your bedroom can also improve your circadian rhythm.
- Use dimmer switches so you can control the brightness of your lighting.
- Investing in high-quality organic cotton linens for your bedroom to help create a sense of comfort. White or light-colored sheets can evoke a sense of cleanliness and calm, resulting in restorative effects.
